Cleaning a spinning reel

[MichaelCopeland]

I tried searching for cleaning a spinning reel. Didn't find what I was looking for. So I have a question. I think dirt got inside my spinning reel because it makes a kind of grinding sound like sand or dirt makes when it's in something that spins. I opened it up and really didn't see anything but lightly wiped around the inside of the spool trying not to wipe away any of the grease. Put it back together and it still sounds like sand or dirt is in it. Even if just little specks that can't be seen with the naked eye. My question is, Can I rinse any or all of it in water to thoroughly clean it and then regrease it? I don't want to mess up my Lew's spinning reel.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There's no way to rinse sand out of a reel. Even in full tear down it takes special attention to get rid of sand. If you want to send it in, provide your screen name and I extend a 10% discount on labor. 

[BuzzHudson19c]

My spinning reels get a lot less attention than my baitcasters. But at the beginning of the season I just spin the bail off, wipe out any gunk with a q-tip, use compressed air to blow away debris, and then oil them.

[Angry John]

I don't think sand wold get in the gear area so a surface tear down is easy.  Take off the spool clean th he drag wash the empty spool in simple green and water or dish soap.  Clean the bail bearing and oil.  I wipe down the main shafts and coat with oil.  Pull the handle oil the knob bearings, and q tip out any areas with dirt.  Spinners are easy to care for but if you do go in the gear area mark them both so they can be lined back up.

[MichaelCopeland]

I believe I got it done without using water or solvents. Q-tips and clean rags seem to have done the job. Won't really know for sure until I take it fishing tomorrow after work. Thank you all for your advice. @Delaware Valley Tackle if it comes down to having to send it off to be fixed or whatever it needs, I'll be giving you a shout. Thanks again everyone.